"Sparking! ZERO" Official Announcement, Pre-, & Post-Release Discussion Thread

[The Dark Knight]

Yeah, they did… it trends on reddit and everywhere as well, with people complaining while other are shouting get good.
But honestly, the game is less fun and tedious.
Not to mention, impossible to pull alternate objectives on timer, if you play against CPU with perfect input reading ng, cheesy spams and weird moves like ignoring recoils and reacting in split second on previously unblockable attacks.
They must be smokin’

If it's a wide spread issue everyone is having trouble with, then hopefully they release a patch for it. Based on what I've read, it only applies to the new episodes, as the difficulty for the existing ones hasn't been changed.

[MCDaveG]

Anyway, I am there with angeldream and agree with most of the points. I bought the DLC after waiting for so much time in the drought, but I don’t agree with people that ask: “wait, you want that DLC for free?”. Not really, but did people forgot how the game was on release, felt incomplete and rushed and with the new DLC, it still feels kinda hotched-potched.
One of the greatest examples is having the accesories custom menu with 10 items, which is virtually for nothing (halo for some and scouters for some).

Except for the fucked up gameplay, I wish they forget about full characters now, make more costumes as some are still missing and put them as rewards into shop.
They realized that you have nothing rewarding to unlock, so now you can spend the money on Limit Breaker buffs at least

I really didn’t like the gameplay in XV2 since release, but I never felt being cheated content wise. It irks me with a game, that has way less content except for it’s character nunber but I enjoy to play it a lot more.
XV2 even had meaningfull live events and constant drops on content and accesories.

[The Dark Knight]

I've been reading how this expansion should be free, and I honestly can't agree with that. Could an argument be made that the content from the previous season pass (Superhero and Daima) be free ? sure, absolutely, but not this one. Here we got 33 new characters, new outfits, new ultimate attacks, 4 new stages and new variants, 4 new story episodes, 13 side missions, new gameplay mechanics, and a new game mode. I just don't think it's reasonable to expect all that content to be free.

[MCDaveG]

I don’t agree with that and written that as well.
No, the DLC shouldn’t be free.
But in all honesty, some of the characters should’ve been in the base game already and the base game was half-baked on single player content and felt unfinished.
In that regard, I’m more likely to side with the free people without ridiculing them, like some do.

Hence, I don’t agree with free DLC, but I feel being ripped off, as the game should’ve been in the oven longer than originally released.
The only justified DLC that I have no qualms with are SH and Daima.

If they didn’t half assed SZ on release, we could’ve gotten more extra content instead of them now filling some of the undelevoped gaps from before. Like Demon King Piccolo or Super 17 and now we get the rest of DB, with unexpected guests (whole 23rd Budokai) but still missing Cyborg Tao.
I feel that they took bigger bite than they can chew on and making cheating AI doesn’t help things.

[angeldreamZ004]

A lot of it being cut content was my main argument for saying that it should be free, but okay, let's ignore stuff like the new characters, the new stages, etc. Well, I still think the new mode and stories should be free, after all they genuinely make the game feel more complete, while the rest is just a extra.
The premium players would get the new characters, stages, costumes, attacks, etc, those would show up in the new mode. Tenshinhan story wouldn't randomly have stuff from his new Tenkaichi Budokai version.

Super Hero and Daima DLCs are a lot more reasonable because they only add extra content, and the new characters weren't cut from the base game as far as I know, it was genuine post-release content, but aside from this, it was what a DLC should do in my view, not add a new mode, and much less adding new stories for characters who were in the base game already, given how it's a Dragon Ball game and one of the main attractions of this kind is its large roster of characters. So it would make a lot more sense charging for new stories featuring the new DLC characters, and not the base game characters, it's what XV2 did with its DLC.

I really didn’t like the gameplay in XV2 since release, but I never felt being cheated content wise. It irks me with a game, that has way less content except for it’s character nunber but I enjoy to play it a lot more.
XV2 even had meaningfull live events and constant drops on content and accesories.

I also don't recall of XV2 doing anything that could make players feel cheated. Maybe there's something but I couldn't track, the Deluxe edition would feature some of the upcoming DLC which are the Super Packs, while the Special Edition covered the Super Pack + Super Hero Pack DLC, which is cheaper if you buy the base game and DLC separately, but this latest edition came out 7 years after the base game, and there is still a lot of DLC not covered by neither of those packs. So I don't think there was a discrepancy with it like how they're doing this time with Sparking Zero.

Basically, what I think they should've done:
Sell this DLC with the new characters, attacks, costumes, stages, etc + Free Update with the new stories for the base game characters, and new mode. Those who have the DLC will see DLC content in that new mode. + No Legendary edition, the Ultimate edition would still be the only higher edition of the game. Leave the Legendary Edition for, like, 2030, after enough DLC content has already been made for the game, so a new edition is released covering up all those DLC, or part of it like XV2 did.

The actual ideal for the latter imo would be not releasing any new editions in the future, so everyone would have to buy DLC equally. But many people may not agree with this and think new editions in the future covering DLC is a good thing, so I think what I said above would be the ideal scenario than what they ended up doing here.

But the reality is that they made Ultimate Edition Neo! only a year and a half after the base game release, which just goes beyond me, it's very ugly specially for those who bought that edition back then.
The rest was kinda of expected indeed, but just having the DLC without the new edition to make the previous one obsolete less than 2 years later would be much less worse in my view, again, it took 7 years for XV2. That is my main gripe.

[MCDaveG]

I also don't recall of XV2 doing anything that could make players feel cheated. Maybe there's something but I couldn't track, the Deluxe edition would feature some of the upcoming DLC which are the Super Packs, while the Special Edition covered the Super Pack + Super Hero Pack DLC, which is cheaper if you buy the base game and DLC separately, but this latest edition came out 7 years after the base game, and there is still a lot of DLC not covered by neither of those packs. So I don't think there was a discrepancy with it like how they're doing this time with Sparking Zero.

Basically, what I think they should've done:
Sell this DLC with the new characters, attacks, costumes, stages, etc + Free Update with the new stories for the base game characters, and new mode. Those who have the DLC will see DLC content in that new mode. + No Legendary edition, the Ultimate edition would still be the only higher edition of the game. Leave the Legendary Edition for, like, 2030, after enough DLC content has already been made for the game, so a new edition is released covering up all those DLC, or part of it like XV2 did.

The actual ideal for the latter imo would be not releasing any new editions in the future, so everyone would have to buy DLC equally. But many people may not agree with this and think new editions in the future covering DLC is a good thing, so I think what I said above would be the ideal scenario than what they ended up doing here.

But the reality is that they made Ultimate Edition Neo! only a year and a half after the base game release, which just goes beyond me, it's very ugly specially for those who bought that edition back then.
The rest was kinda of expected indeed, but just having the DLC without the new edition to make the previous one obsolete less than 2 years later would be much less worse in my view, again, it took 7 years for XV2. That is my main gripe.

Yeah, I’ve noticed on PS store. Even the bundling gets the plaster and hotch-potch approach.

To end my negative saga, I have to say that Limit Breaker mode is actually fun. It’s now my go to mode and something that I’d take over custom battle mode anytime.
I wonder how long it will take me to finish the Echoes.
And if there are any surprises, beside it being more fun version of Survivor. Unlocked Level 3 so far and played Vegito, GT Goku and Movie 9 Gohan… my most leveled character is GT Vegeta tho. That SSJ4 transformation is a blast!

[Koitsukai]

I think in october we're finally getting Beerus' planet and probably the Capsule Corp stage. Perhaps that Cave stage too, but I don't think so nor want it. It has only appeared once, in BoG, if I'm not mistaken. Or was there any other cave-like fight I'm forgetting?

Character-wise, I don't see who else... maybe skins for Goten and Trunks? the Pilaf Gang?
Unless it's more DBS oriented and not just BoG. Then, maybe that rocky hill with cloudy skies where Goku and Freeza fought, the U6 tourney stage, more Frost forms, Botamo, Magetta, Tagoma or the other RoF goon. And Monaka!

There's no way we're no getting Beerus' planet this time.

About the complaints of the game being released unfinished, while I agree, by now it's like yelling at the clouds. It had plenty of cool stuff from the get-go to keep me engaged for almost two years. I wouldn't trade what we got in 2024 for the game being released only now in a more complete state.
Besides, if the game had been delayed until now, it likely would've launched at a higher price.

[The Dark Knight]

About the complaints of the game being released unfinished, while I agree, by now it's like yelling at the clouds. It had plenty of cool stuff from the get-go to keep me engaged for almost two years. I wouldn't trade what we got in 2024 for the game being released only now in a more complete state.
Besides, if the game had been delayed until now, it likely would've launched at a higher price.

The game had been in development for 5 years by the time it got released; that's hardly what I'd call rushed. Back in the Ps3/360 days, those developers couldn't even get a full 12 months between games. I think the game was maybe too ambitious, which resulted in things being cut or delayed, but it was by no means rushed.

[Mr Baggins]

I was today years old when I discovered each character in Limit Breaker Journey has a hidden final boss besides the normal one. If you manage to find the hidden boss, they too have an exclusive interaction and then Hironobu Kageyama's "ZERO" plays during the match. Haven't yet figured out exactly what makes them appear at the end of a run, but I got a massive EXP payout for winning.

Peak mode. Definitely the highlight of the whole DLC for me.

[The S]

It's still weird that the Japanese site is the only one as of this writing that has the full roster. The European site, which is the only one that features full renders of the characters, is the most behind, still not even having Daima pack 2 listed (but has all of the Neo pack except for the most recent reveals)

I was today years old when I discovered each character in Limit Breaker Journey has a hidden final boss besides the normal one. If you manage to find the hidden boss, they too have an exclusive interaction and then Hironobu Kageyama's "ZERO" plays during the match. Haven't yet figured out exactly what makes them appear at the end of a run, but I got a massive EXP payout for winning.

Peak mode. Definitely the highlight of the whole DLC for me.

Damn, I haven't had a lot of time sunk into this mode that sounds worth checking out.

[Makaioshin]

It will take some time getting used to Yamcha's new voice actor. It is a shame they didn't patch the character since it is hard to gauge his portrayal without the battle cries. It is cool he at least got to do all the lines in the new mode including redubbing older interactions. Will have to try Boo to see if they did the same for him.

It's still weird that the Japanese site is the only one as of this writing that has the full roster. The European site, which is the only one that features full renders of the characters, is the most behind, still not even having Daima pack 2 listed (but has all of the Neo pack except for the most recent reveals)

This will be the basis for several Japan does not care about Daima video essays.

[The S]

Ha ha, EU version of the site's broken now. Sorry folks, all you get is Shallot and (Sparking!) zero other characters!

This will be the basis for several Japan does not care about Daima video essays.

What the hell is a "video essay" and what does this have to do with their websites?

[angeldreamZ004]

I think in october we're finally getting Beerus' planet and probably the Capsule Corp stage. Perhaps that Cave stage too, but I don't think so nor want it. It has only appeared once, in BoG, if I'm not mistaken. Or was there any other cave-like fight I'm forgetting?

I think you're talking about the Cave Stage from Xenoverse and FighterZ. Yes I'm pretty sure it only shows up in that movie.

Character-wise, I don't see who else... maybe skins for Goten and Trunks? the Pilaf Gang?
Unless it's more DBS oriented and not just BoG. Then, maybe that rocky hill with cloudy skies where Goku and Freeza fought, the U6 tourney stage, more Frost forms, Botamo, Magetta, Tagoma or the other RoF goon. And Monaka!

The other is Shisami, as for Monaka if we take it seriously, they would have to be very creative as all he does in the entire series is a semi-punch. Though I can easily see them adapting his failed landing into an a Ultimate Attack or something. But I think would be more likely to add Beerus in disguise from the anime filler.

There's no way we're no getting Beerus' planet this time.

I would like to see the prototype design made by Toriyama which later became Araku's planet, though I understand it's very unlikely.

About the complaints of the game being released unfinished, while I agree, by now it's like yelling at the clouds. It had plenty of cool stuff from the get-go to keep me engaged for almost two years. I wouldn't trade what we got in 2024 for the game being released only now in a more complete state.
Besides, if the game had been delayed until now, it likely would've launched at a higher price.

Well if it wasn't for the Legendary Edition I think I wouldn't complain, and I know I'm not the only one as I saw many people who actually even bought the ultimate edition themselves complaining about this decision. It's like I said previously, they didn't make this NEO DLC only, they also made a NEO Ultimate Edition that makes the original obsolete, the DLC at least doesn't do that with the base game for obvious reasons, so that was somewhat a beta of the Legendary Edition as well which is just crazy for me, imagine for those who bought the UE.

It will take some time getting used to Yamcha's new voice actor. It is a shame they didn't patch the character since it is hard to gauge his portrayal without the battle cries. It is cool he at least got to do all the lines in the new mode including redubbing older interactions. Will have to try Boo to see if they did the same for him.

I personally think he replicates the voice very well so I believe I'll easily get used to it. As for Boo, I checked a recent gameplay in Japanese and i'm pretty sure it's still Kozo Shioya's voice lines. I believe the first place we'll hear his new voice actor will be one of the two mobile games, though they could still use pre-recorded lines from Shioya.

This will be the basis for several Japan does not care about Daima video essays.

Wuuu...what?

[tinlunlau]

I just bought the DLC thru the Japanese PSN a few days ago. Barely had time to test it out.

[The S]

You know, I'm actually pretty surprised Metallic hasn't made his way into one of these games yet, if Ha-chan could...

[FPSSJ4_Goku]

Ha ha, EU version of the site's broken now. Sorry folks, all you get is Shallot and (Sparking!) zero other characters!

This will be the basis for several Japan does not care about Daima video essays.

What the hell is a "video essay" and what does this have to do with their websites?

Video essays are essays presented in the form of videos and are usually about topics like social media, politics, entertainment, stuff like that. It typically features one person speaking directly into the camera (probably being filmed in their room or recording studio) or voicing over an edited video for a couple minutes, while including footage of or pictures of what it is they're talking about.

Sometimes these video essays can go on for several hours and can be longer than movies. There are loads of video essays on Dragon Ball alone, most notably by PlagueOfGripes

[MCDaveG]

That botched AI for CPU is reportedly getting patched soon

[The Dark Knight]

That botched AI for CPU is reportedly getting patched soon

Watch them give it infinite health and ki.

[The S]

Video essays are essays presented in the form of videos and are usually about topics like social media, politics, entertainment, stuff like that. It typically features one person speaking directly into the camera (probably being filmed in their room or recording studio) or voicing over an edited video for a couple minutes, while including footage of or pictures of what it is they're talking about.

Sometimes these video essays can go on for several hours and can be longer than movies. There are loads of video essays on Dragon Ball alone, most notably by PlagueOfGripes

Isn't there a real word for that? And also it still has nothing to do with what I was talking about so I'm still confused.

[kemuri07]

Video essays are essays presented in the form of videos and are usually about topics like social media, politics, entertainment, stuff like that. It typically features one person speaking directly into the camera (probably being filmed in their room or recording studio) or voicing over an edited video for a couple minutes, while including footage of or pictures of what it is they're talking about.

Sometimes these video essays can go on for several hours and can be longer than movies. There are loads of video essays on Dragon Ball alone, most notably by PlagueOfGripes

Isn't there a real word for that? And also it still has nothing to do with what I was talking about so I'm still confused.

the real word for it is "video essays".

It has nothing to do with what you directly said, and more of an aside that people will use anything to make half-bake content. It's not that serious.